tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-139716472017-07-31T17:11:19.831-05:00Mary Ann's ViewMary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.comBlogger858125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-19423632663724548152016-11-07T08:52:00.000-06:002016-11-08T10:31:58.360-06:00Sabal Palms Sanctuary . . . the feeder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGuCK7-XfvU/WCCQ2EjQ7oI/AAAAAAAADKI/lIAkM1klXBUiV1-qSJe5tGM68OiALjBEACLcB/s1600/IMG_0367bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fGuCK7-XfvU/WCCQ2EjQ7oI/AAAAAAAADKI/lIAkM1klXBUiV1-qSJe5tGM68OiALjBEACLcB/s400/IMG_0367bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;">At the bird feeder by the old visitor center, listening to the last rain drops hitting the leaves and palms.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;">Watching the water drops hitting the leaves and causing them to flutter. Seeing the reflections of the green tree leaves in the reflections on the dark deck. Feeling the gentle cool breeze. Hearing the quiet voices of a group of birders who drop by but don't stay. &nbsp; As I wonder if any birds will visit the feeders on this wet day, I hear a bird calling. Chachalacas pass by with their loud cackling call.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIxwF2RhDho/WCCQ2o5I4fI/AAAAAAAADKM/KvvaRgn5zaMCKFMmKMmVHFZMfldymzHvwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0360bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FIxwF2RhDho/WCCQ2o5I4fI/AAAAAAAADKM/KvvaRgn5zaMCKFMmKMmVHFZMfldymzHvwCLcB/s400/IMG_0360bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: &quot;helvetica&quot;; font-size: 12px;">The forest is thick and green around this old visitor center. It is quiet now - only the sound of the occasional rain drop.&nbsp;</span><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbvk39QFzfQ/WCCP7imbnpI/AAAAAAAADJ0/UEvKauT50ho3eeIG8oxmwZ62mJFKWxYowCLcB/s1600/IMG_0353bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tbvk39QFzfQ/WCCP7imbnpI/AAAAAAAADJ0/UEvKauT50ho3eeIG8oxmwZ62mJFKWxYowCLcB/s400/IMG_0353bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div>The Green Jay arrives.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Buff bellied on feeder.</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">When I mention to a visitor one appeared - a female.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Shortly a male arrived - giving me ample time to study him but not to photograph.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Maybe he will come back.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gYuqQwLrUI/WCCP7p-cSmI/AAAAAAAADJw/PTh1dqYPkiM5aw1qSTyryIi0HBDPrP6mwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0357bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gYuqQwLrUI/WCCP7p-cSmI/AAAAAAAADJw/PTh1dqYPkiM5aw1qSTyryIi0HBDPrP6mwCLcB/s400/IMG_0357bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">2 white tipped doves silently arrive.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Now 3 white tipped doves are at the feeder.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPhv5sAepP0/WCCP7pdp0GI/AAAAAAAADJs/yqyRm3ONli8mRNI71gNpD6PXpn2wKP5cACLcB/s1600/IMG_0359bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nPhv5sAepP0/WCCP7pdp0GI/AAAAAAAADJs/yqyRm3ONli8mRNI71gNpD6PXpn2wKP5cACLcB/s400/IMG_0359bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div>Buff bellied hummingbird came back allowing photo opportunity&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Now there are 4 doves.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Green jays come in disturbing the white tipped doves</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Now 4 green jays but my cough scares the doves off but the green jays quickly return.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">It has been the quiet of nature but in the distance is the rumble of machinery - the bass of a car radio's beats in the distance.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Hoping for an oriole to drop by . . .</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The dove wings whir as they fly off.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The rumble of thunder precedes the next group of people with their footsteps and quiet voices.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">They pass on by for the trails.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I have a nice quiet place to weather the storm and a raincoat to keep my equipment dry.&nbsp;<span style="font-size: 12px;">But I would prefer that it not rain on my hiking friends.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I wonder, "Will a Cooper's hawk come fly over the feeder this time as it did the last scattering the birds?"(Sadly, it didn't.)</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">A loud group of chachalacas passes noisily by out of sight.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">10 white tipped doves whir away as they are startled by my cough.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">White tipped doves melodically coo behind me.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The buff bellied briefly returns.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Jays come in but the white tipped soon reclaim the feeder.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The water drops dripping from the leaves are a calming sound.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">As I see movement in the low vegetation and hope for olive sparrow but so far it is always white tipped dove.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xMzRst60_w/WCCP7z4mNkI/AAAAAAAADJ4/FX7h_nqeUKEsDw2_lAQwMdyOzNlJYcuAACLcB/s1600/IMG_0363bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2xMzRst60_w/WCCP7z4mNkI/AAAAAAAADJ4/FX7h_nqeUKEsDw2_lAQwMdyOzNlJYcuAACLcB/s400/IMG_0363bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The buff bellied comes in briefly.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">A soft high call note signals the presence of another small bird.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Only one chirp. Will it call again, will it reveal itself or will it be just the one note that told of its presence without revealing the identity?</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">After 4 days of birding, I am soaking in the quiet peace so far r<span style="font-size: 12px;">emoved from the ugly election hoopla.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49C2sYXPiBg/WCCP8H-WotI/AAAAAAAADJ8/fqaLzMKNMPAlFhm9Q1Gr11f6UlNBlMYKACLcB/s1600/IMG_0366bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49C2sYXPiBg/WCCP8H-WotI/AAAAAAAADJ8/fqaLzMKNMPAlFhm9Q1Gr11f6UlNBlMYKACLcB/s400/IMG_0366bl.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">A group of chachalaca come silently one by one to the feeder. &nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">The 5 chachalaca have control of the feeder.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">2 Black crested titmice arrive but can't compete with the chachalaca.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Green jays and doves wait for the chachalaca to leave.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">More human voices. They don't come close as they walk by on their trail.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">The chachalacas are finishing their meal and the green jays return.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Human voices scatter the birds but a brave few remain at the feeder.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">People stop and we quietly visit sharing stories,</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">A couple of small birds possibly orange crowned warblers tease us but stay out of sight refusing to reveal their identity.</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdn4gWnbAHM/WCCP8ert73I/AAAAAAAADKA/8Uehr-01xPAKouMTQKGHFpvUzIyMx0YTgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0371bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vdn4gWnbAHM/WCCP8ert73I/AAAAAAAADKA/8Uehr-01xPAKouMTQKGHFpvUzIyMx0YTgCLcB/s400/IMG_0371bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">A cottontail rabbit comes through grazing on the vegetation.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">They tell me the trails are slippery confirming the wisdom of enjoying the feeder station&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Loving watching the green jay's yellow tail display in flight.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Mourning dove arrives.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hno805rMe20/WCCP8Tebd-I/AAAAAAAADKE/uBz5fXr_9swEbGLEbg5-FMUOeVlJxgvNQCLcB/s1600/IMG_0376bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hno805rMe20/WCCP8Tebd-I/AAAAAAAADKE/uBz5fXr_9swEbGLEbg5-FMUOeVlJxgvNQCLcB/s400/IMG_0376bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">I move over to sit on the wet wooden seats and I am rewarded by a better view and photograph of the buff bellied hummingbird.&nbsp;</div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">Time to go . . . I enjoyed this peaceful, restful interlude in one of my favorite places in the Rio Grande Valley.<br /><br /><br /></div>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-81411737208329139552015-09-05T10:48:00.000-05:002015-09-05T10:48:16.698-05:00International Peace Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6FlptRWSXA/Vd_08tW4UbI/AAAAAAAADFE/aY54ZCrWBHE/s1600/Melton3046bl%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6FlptRWSXA/Vd_08tW4UbI/AAAAAAAADFE/aY54ZCrWBHE/s640/Melton3046bl%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The International Peace Gardens straddle the border between the United States and Canada between North Dakota and Manitoba.<br /><br />&nbsp;It was dedicated in 1932: TO GOD IN HIS GLORY, we two nations dedicate this garden and pledge ourselves that as long as men shall live, we will not take up arms against one another.<br /><br />The Civilian Conservation Corps did most of the early construction.<br /><br />There are 2300 acres to explore. We started our exploration on the Canadian side which is forested with water features and more natural in nature, taking the loop twice during our visit. In some ways I preferred the wild areas with the trees and birds. &nbsp;However, the formal gardens are beautiful and I enjoyed walking around to see everything.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulizkY_m_sY/VeKGdJOBfYI/AAAAAAAADFY/uQ8MTHS3KOQ/s1600/IMG_5443bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ulizkY_m_sY/VeKGdJOBfYI/AAAAAAAADFY/uQ8MTHS3KOQ/s400/IMG_5443bl.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We saw an immature northern flicker as well as adult northern flickers. &nbsp;We tried to stop for every bird and I enjoyed seeing birds near our picnic table at lunchtime.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nuk2AWDz0dY/VeKH0sQD99I/AAAAAAAADFg/mudXi4PFjMg/s1600/IMG_5453bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nuk2AWDz0dY/VeKH0sQD99I/AAAAAAAADFg/mudXi4PFjMg/s400/IMG_5453bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Around the formal garden ponds there were many Northern Leopard Frogs. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVvbNDPZWSA/VeKIFfIfPfI/AAAAAAAADFs/fH5qiQTxKE0/s1600/_D7A2999bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVvbNDPZWSA/VeKIFfIfPfI/AAAAAAAADFs/fH5qiQTxKE0/s400/_D7A2999bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />The Interpretive Center and Conservatory had a good gift shop, restaurant as well as cactus and succulents from around the world. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GD7U9QFsHG4/VeKIdhPLv_I/AAAAAAAADF0/gloIuUyTMN8/s1600/_D7A3022DarkContrastsbl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GD7U9QFsHG4/VeKIdhPLv_I/AAAAAAAADF0/gloIuUyTMN8/s640/_D7A3022DarkContrastsbl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TMGykYinD0/VeMCnHXOpDI/AAAAAAAADGw/F-la-jb1Gs4/s1600/_D7A3031bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7TMGykYinD0/VeMCnHXOpDI/AAAAAAAADGw/F-la-jb1Gs4/s640/_D7A3031bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xLdLL0htWQ/VeKKyjCL5sI/AAAAAAAADGA/74R8ISukTRQ/s1600/_D7A3033bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xLdLL0htWQ/VeKKyjCL5sI/AAAAAAAADGA/74R8ISukTRQ/s640/_D7A3033bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7loKdwggOrI/VeKK0hVBjrI/AAAAAAAADGU/o_nOD5N4KEQ/s1600/_D7A3035bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7loKdwggOrI/VeKK0hVBjrI/AAAAAAAADGU/o_nOD5N4KEQ/s640/_D7A3035bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The formal gardens were a delight to explore. &nbsp; I talked to someone who visits every year. He told me the plantings are unique every year. He also told me that the Peace Towers in the background of the first photo have deteriorated and will be removed at some point.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aL78BrhZjs/VeKKzpImHRI/AAAAAAAADGI/11iGo6vFV4c/s1600/_D7A3037bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aL78BrhZjs/VeKKzpImHRI/AAAAAAAADGI/11iGo6vFV4c/s640/_D7A3037bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMryK07Jj2o/VeKK0szVC6I/AAAAAAAADGQ/wMG-uOV7KaY/s1600/_D7A3039bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMryK07Jj2o/VeKK0szVC6I/AAAAAAAADGQ/wMG-uOV7KaY/s640/_D7A3039bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I could not leave without stopping to photograph the floral clock. We spent half our day here and considered it well spent.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9GUrKo5S3k/VeMB03BphqI/AAAAAAAADGo/8e3TEoPE-cg/s1600/IMG_5471bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V9GUrKo5S3k/VeMB03BphqI/AAAAAAAADGo/8e3TEoPE-cg/s640/IMG_5471bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-11088488505441765912015-08-28T00:24:00.001-05:002015-08-28T00:24:29.635-05:00Coming in to Breckenridge . . .The MemoriesWe left the Salt Lake City area today on the last part of our adventure. As we drove through the desert sage areas and mountains around Steamboat Springs, my mind kept thinking about all the things we could do in the one day we have in Breckenridge. &nbsp;I was thinking about things we have done on other trips.<br /><br />Rent a bike and take the trails down to Frisco and ride the bus back.<br /><br />Go over Boreas Pass.<br /><br />Go to Mount Evans and photograph the mountain goats and mountain sheep.<br /><br />Ride the train in Georgetown (we have never done that.)<br /><br />Take one of the lifts to the top of the mountain and walk the trails back to town.<br /><br />Visit the Breckenridge Recreation Center.<br /><br />In addition I had been thinking about the things we could do in Colorado "on the way home."<br /><br />Swing by Rocky Mountain National Park going over Trail Ridge.<br /><br />Swing by Silverton.<br /><br />Go to the Malt Shop in Pagosa Springs.<br /><br />Visit Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs being there at sunrise or sunset.<br /><br />I walked through a wonderful garden of memories as I thought about things we "could" do, but also realizing that we are due to arrive home on Sunday back in Hutto. &nbsp;These memories of all these delightful things were done on trips where we were here a week or more. &nbsp;But remembering things we've done in this area in the past made me grateful for all we have been able to do over the years.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-69568260543113939252015-08-22T10:45:00.000-05:002015-08-22T10:45:01.063-05:00The 2015 Adventure Begins: #North DakotaFrom Saturday, August 8<br /><br />After all the last minute tasks were completed . . . house sitter arranged, Gambler care arranged, to do lists mostly done, I got off on Friday to join Henry in Minneapolis to head west. &nbsp;Our first target was to explore parts of North Dakota. We made it to Fargo last night. This morning we headed to explore some of their official "scenic byways." Here is a link to their official information <a href="http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/byways/attachments/byway_brochure.pdf" target="_blank">Scenic Byways and Backways Information Guide.</a> The first one we chose was the Rendevous Region Scenic Backway. <br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFe4kJ-uqo/VdSa2zxcI9I/AAAAAAAADDA/DhodHnEwGvk/s1600/_D7A2930bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mOFe4kJ-uqo/VdSa2zxcI9I/AAAAAAAADDA/DhodHnEwGvk/s400/_D7A2930bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />First stop was Icelandic State Park. The Pioneer Heritage Center has a lovely visitor center and several restored buildings from the homesteading era.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjP-g04uatQ/VdSa4tZr4EI/AAAAAAAADDU/XamWgSwvAGQ/s1600/_D7A2931bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zjP-g04uatQ/VdSa4tZr4EI/AAAAAAAADDU/XamWgSwvAGQ/s400/_D7A2931bl.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This church was beautiful. I wish it had been open to see the inside.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWuQrZX7iWo/VdSa2swaDvI/AAAAAAAADC8/s59tOw8sNaQ/s1600/_D7A2933bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWuQrZX7iWo/VdSa2swaDvI/AAAAAAAADC8/s59tOw8sNaQ/s400/_D7A2933bl.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I've been paying more attention to native grasses the last couple of years. I loved this exhibit in the Pioneer Heritage Center showing how deep the roots are in prairie grasses.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfQxXoib8k8/VdScGRwoVaI/AAAAAAAADD0/BpHiO4NYz3A/s1600/IMG_5400HDR.BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfQxXoib8k8/VdScGRwoVaI/AAAAAAAADD0/BpHiO4NYz3A/s400/IMG_5400HDR.BL.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><br />One of my goals for this trip has been to get more exercise and lose more weight. There were several hiking trails. I took the one through the forest. &nbsp;I saw a strange woodpecker. I wish that I had gotten a photo because I thought it was an American Three-toed woodpecker. &nbsp;I use BirdLog to enter my bird lists to keep records of what I see and my life list. &nbsp;Whenever you get a "square" next to your bird, you know you may be in trouble with your identification. &nbsp;The kindly ebird reviewer told me there were NO records for that species in North Dakota. &nbsp;I still think the bird I saw matches the description, but I will be content with hoping to see that species another place.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzb_s5asc48/VdSa4Pz12wI/AAAAAAAADDM/xAG4qKNJRr8/s1600/_D7A2943BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zzb_s5asc48/VdSa4Pz12wI/AAAAAAAADDM/xAG4qKNJRr8/s400/_D7A2943BL.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next part of the Rendevous Region Scenic byway was a little more challenging. &nbsp;It started off on a dirt road that said "Dead End." &nbsp;After looping the highway a couple of times we took the road and it WAS the correct turn. The route us through the countryside through wooded areas and sunflower fields.&nbsp;</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFPhD9nObWk/VdScD689DrI/AAAAAAAADDs/Rco_WK3FIOk/s1600/IMG_5402bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFPhD9nObWk/VdScD689DrI/AAAAAAAADDs/Rco_WK3FIOk/s400/IMG_5402bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />The road also led us past several areas that were filled with antique cars. I wonder what the story is behind the cars. Do they let photographers visit? <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">For future travelers, I would suggest getting a good route written down before trying this section of the back way. It was beautiful, but it was easy to miss the signs for the turns. This <a href="http://www.nd.gov/gis/apps/HubExplorer/#extent=-10886923.42058,6238653.93293,-10882953.47242,6241190.68681&amp;layers=All_Transportation:24,25,26&amp;basemap=Map" target="_blank">North Dakota Map</a> will show the names of the roads when you zoom in. Cellphone signal comes in and out, so I would recommend writing down the road names while you have strong cell signal. The dirt roads were easily passable even with my low ground clearance car. Here is more information about other things to see and do on the <a href="http://walhalland.org/byway.php" target="_blank">Rendevous Region Scenic Byway.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fFPhD9nObWk/VdScD689DrI/AAAAAAAADDs/Rco_WK3FIOk/s1600/IMG_5402bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsmpyrOUJE/VdSa4MhHHuI/AAAAAAAADDQ/3tX5L3RUP1Y/s1600/_D7A2946bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXsmpyrOUJE/VdSa4MhHHuI/AAAAAAAADDQ/3tX5L3RUP1Y/s400/_D7A2946bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The section between Walhalla and Vang was beautiful. The Tetrault Woods State Forest overlook was well worth the stop.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm_AWetMoU0/VdSa5IedQDI/AAAAAAAADDc/iDDXM2U7H8o/s1600/_D7A2961bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qm_AWetMoU0/VdSa5IedQDI/AAAAAAAADDc/iDDXM2U7H8o/s400/_D7A2961bl.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This overlook over the Pembina Gorge had lovely metal sculpture decorations and a lovely place to sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE33rfUsmGQ/VdScm6NVRFI/AAAAAAAADD8/snuXCXcop7g/s1600/IMG_1842bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OE33rfUsmGQ/VdScm6NVRFI/AAAAAAAADD8/snuXCXcop7g/s400/IMG_1842bl.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Henry propped his iPhone on one of the rails to get a shot of the two of us using an app on his iPhone.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-34764143500936935142015-08-21T00:09:00.004-05:002015-08-21T00:09:57.085-05:00#Sasquan Day 2We've been traveling and on the go for almost 2 weeks now. I checked the morning schedule and allowed myself to catch some more zzzz's before heading over to the con.<br /><br />The next 5 hours were back to back interesting panels. &nbsp;I started with <b>Stories of the Spokane Tribe </b>told by James "Jimbo" Seyler. &nbsp;Stories of from the Spokane tribe about how the land forms in the area were formed, stories of "coyote." &nbsp;An interesting look at one tribe's stories.<br /><br />Going in an entirely different direction I went to "<b>What is New in Astronomy?</b>" Dr. David Clements from the physics department of the Imperical College in London was the moderator. &nbsp;Other panelists were interesting and well informed as well. &nbsp;I learned about the latest research on asteroids - how most are not solid rock but rather rubble held together with ice. When two of these bump into each other, they often merge in strange shapes. &nbsp;It was interesting that there has been a probe studying Comet P-67. For more info look at the <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2015/02/17/rosetta-gets-close-up-photos-of-comet-p67/" target="_blank">pictures from the probe. </a>&nbsp;Another topic was dark energy and dark matter. &nbsp;Fascinating stuff.<br /><br />Next panel was <b>Medieval Science and Technology </b>with a different set of interesting, knowledgeable panelists. &nbsp;Guy Consolmagno is a Jesuit brother who is living in Italy as an astronomer and planetary scientist at the Vatican Observatory. &nbsp;Jo Walton is an amazing writer who uses medieval themes in her writing. &nbsp;Bradford Lyau is a trained historian and science fiction writer. Lots of interesting concepts were bounced around. &nbsp;Sometimes we look at a story or movie and think the technology is wrong for the time period when actually it is correct. &nbsp;Mentioning the poverty and poor living conditions during the Middle Ages, it was noted that many of these people were living amid the ruins of Rome's technology knowing they could not recreate it. How frustrating and defeating that would be. &nbsp;It made me think of all the technology we rely on in our day to day lives. &nbsp;What would happen if all of that disappeared for some reason? &nbsp;Another interesting piece of information was that many of the beautiful cathedrals in Florence were built in a time of desperation. &nbsp;The churches and the women who became nuns were acts of faith for God to deliver them from the perils around them at the time.<br /><br />Next came a reading from author Connie Willis. &nbsp;I've read some of her books and I've heard her at other science fiction conventions. &nbsp;An enjoyable time listening to her read an excerpt from her book that will come out next year.<br /><br />Another change of pace came next with the panel, <b>The Art and Science of Spaceships.</b>&nbsp; Shape, art, artificial gravity, and possible sizes were part of the discussion. But also intriguing thoughts about what it would be like to put together a mission to another star that might involve people living on the spaceship for 1000 years. Would they want to leave when they reached the new planet? &nbsp;How would their culture change? <br /><br />After this panel I went outside by the river, partly to have a snack, but partly because being outside is peaceful and feeds part of my soul. &nbsp;I needed a break after 5 hours of sitting in rooms with no windows.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b__4MjLGfWI/Vdax7aS7PrI/AAAAAAAADEc/DAGLa2H--C4/s1600/photo%2B1bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b__4MjLGfWI/Vdax7aS7PrI/AAAAAAAADEc/DAGLa2H--C4/s640/photo%2B1bl.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />One of the things I like about going to Science Fiction Conventions are the ways my mind is challenged while I am there. &nbsp;Today's panels were very different from one another and I learned things and felt like my mind was being expanded and challenged with new information.<br /><br />Later, I joined Henry and we went to eat at Anthony's Home Port, which overlooks the beautiful waterfalls in Spokane. &nbsp;A good day!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7yfnkkMuyc/Vdax7cSMKbI/AAAAAAAADEo/7-fY8M98N30/s1600/photo%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P7yfnkkMuyc/Vdax7cSMKbI/AAAAAAAADEo/7-fY8M98N30/s640/photo%2B2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-49345975729491393272015-08-20T10:51:00.001-05:002015-08-20T10:51:30.824-05:00Getting started at #Sasquan World Science Fiction ConventionWorldcons are big events with many things going on at the same time. I have found it best to plan out what I am most interested in and sometimes plan efficiency in which meeting rooms minimize walking. &nbsp;The first thing I do is get the convention guide and start marking it up, highlighting topics and speakers I am interested in hearing. Frequently, there are multiple things at the same time. &nbsp;Marking them with a highlighter makes it easier to find the things I most want to do quickly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3qf6_BTDJw/VdX2gkio3QI/AAAAAAAADEM/hBMNaMxlTzc/s1600/Worldconschedule.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x3qf6_BTDJw/VdX2gkio3QI/AAAAAAAADEM/hBMNaMxlTzc/s1600/Worldconschedule.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first day I went to panels on Comfort Reading, Hard SF Movies: Rare but not extinct, and the Opening Ceremonies. &nbsp;Opening Ceremonies got a late start and ended late so I missed the other panel I wanted to see: &nbsp;Accounts from the history of the Spokane Tribe.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is good seeing so many ages here from small babies, elementary aged kids, college aged, right up to people in their 70's and 80's. &nbsp;</div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-8558172863270684102015-08-17T13:00:00.002-05:002015-08-17T13:00:57.781-05:00Yellowstone's wolves<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNdge2hEkA/VdIdYDRB-AI/AAAAAAAADCk/q-Jo6qxkEIU/s1600/IMG_5676Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNdge2hEkA/VdIdYDRB-AI/AAAAAAAADCk/q-Jo6qxkEIU/s640/IMG_5676Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />We have chosen for our last two visits to stay at the northeast corner of the park at Silver Gate, Montana. &nbsp;The Grizzly Lodge is less than a mile from the entrance to the park and about a 30 minute drive to the wolf viewing area between the Yellowstone Institute and Pebble Creek Campground. &nbsp;This area usually has an active wolf pack where wolves can be seen. &nbsp;To see the wolves, one must be at this location near sunrise. &nbsp;In other years there were wolf watchers there at sunset, we did not see that this year. We got up 3 of our 4 mornings to attempt to see the wolves and were successful twice. The middle morning, the pups were seen by folks near us, but the one dropped out of sight before I saw it.<br /><br />However, where you look for the wolves changes every time we visit. &nbsp;The best way to see the wolves is to look for the group of people all standing together with scopes. &nbsp;This year the group was down in the valley looking up onto the northern grassy sage covered slopes. &nbsp;While my walking is better, I still have mobility issues and decided not to go down there. I set up my chair and scope on the side of the parking area where they were looking and waited. <br /><br />Shortly, they turned their scopes a different direction. I rushed down to the other end of the parking lot and sure enough, there were the wolves, five of them. &nbsp;Using my Canon Powershot SX50 with its 1200 mm zoom I was able to capture these images. &nbsp;Most wolf sightings are distant, with the wolves appearing as small moving specks on the hillside.<br /><br />Here is my first view of the wolf ascending the slope. The black wolves are easier to spot than the gray ones.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TEhBEyBuZ3Y/VdIXgqNGXWI/AAAAAAAADBU/dXplEZB3BpU/s1600/IMG_5675FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TEhBEyBuZ3Y/VdIXgqNGXWI/AAAAAAAADBU/dXplEZB3BpU/s640/IMG_5675FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This shot captures two more . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aiOe_TBRI/VdIXiImLmHI/AAAAAAAADBk/I_givsA4Gvg/s1600/IMG_5676FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8aiOe_TBRI/VdIXiImLmHI/AAAAAAAADBk/I_givsA4Gvg/s640/IMG_5676FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I like the running shot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1VxawJjTfc/VdIXgQ0DbCI/AAAAAAAADBY/cfmZCeGcfjA/s1600/IMG_5677FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1VxawJjTfc/VdIXgQ0DbCI/AAAAAAAADBY/cfmZCeGcfjA/s640/IMG_5677FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here it is cropped closer:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_KAxqPaimA/VdIYLlqPmPI/AAAAAAAADBw/ned42TCnjTY/s1600/IMG_5677Bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_KAxqPaimA/VdIYLlqPmPI/AAAAAAAADBw/ned42TCnjTY/s640/IMG_5677Bl.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">It is hard to explain the marvel that catching a glimpse of wolves in the wild invokes. For me part of the joy is that even when you get up to be there at sunrise, you may or may not get to see them. So when you do, it feels like such a blessing. &nbsp;In other visits I got to witness the morning reunion of the pack - such a joyful, playful event. I could hear the howls and yips. &nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Even when the wolves don't show, the upper Lamar Valley is a tranquil and beautiful place to spend the first hours of the day. &nbsp;It is a great way to start the day!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D855817286327068410&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5_KAxqPaimA%2FVdIYLlqPmPI%2FAAAAAAAADBw%2Fned42TCnjTY%2Fs640%2FIMG_5677Bl.jpg&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.37.01&amp;xuid=VD9MzpiqYzNJ&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2190px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D855817286327068410&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5_KAxqPaimA%2FVdIYLlqPmPI%2FAAAAAAAADBw%2Fned42TCnjTY%2Fs640%2FIMG_5677Bl.jpg&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.37.01&amp;xuid=VD9MzpiqYzNJ&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2190px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com1Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park, Northeast Entrance Road, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA44.8684621 -110.1745892000000119.346427600000002 -151.4831832 70.3904966 -68.865995200000015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-34443578679986379052015-08-10T13:08:00.000-05:002015-08-22T10:46:03.067-05:00Sully's Hill National Game Preserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Monday, August 10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After spending the night at Devil's Lake, we chose a route to visit National Wildlife Refuges as we explored North Dakota. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We arrived at <a href="http://www.fws.gov/refuge/sullys_hill_national_game_preserve/" target="_blank">Sully's Hill National Game Preserve </a>&nbsp;early in the morning, while it was still cool. Growing up in the Texas Panhandle, prairie dogs always delight me with their activities.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cz74eoSpJU/Vcn6c_0wouI/AAAAAAAADAU/ZGA9CK_6y08/s1600/_D7A3129FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cz74eoSpJU/Vcn6c_0wouI/AAAAAAAADAU/ZGA9CK_6y08/s640/_D7A3129FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rmQUh4Gwrw/Vcn6i48xabI/AAAAAAAADAs/5BKKtzHS7iE/s1600/_D7A3133FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0rmQUh4Gwrw/Vcn6i48xabI/AAAAAAAADAs/5BKKtzHS7iE/s640/_D7A3133FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sully's Hill's bison are being managed to conserve their genetic diversity.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-furIOH2IVsA/Vcn6kX2GKJI/AAAAAAAADA0/kTV6flzAFkQ/s1600/_D7A3149FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-furIOH2IVsA/Vcn6kX2GKJI/AAAAAAAADA0/kTV6flzAFkQ/s640/_D7A3149FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />There was a beautiful wooded nature trail that seemed filled with singing birds. There were a number of yellow warblers. The trail led to a vista over the lake where there were white pelicans in the distance. I saw 12 species of birds within the preserve.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USRiaIZ2f0U/Vcn6iAmXMBI/AAAAAAAADAk/GYtHwK_94As/s1600/IMG_5525FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USRiaIZ2f0U/Vcn6iAmXMBI/AAAAAAAADAk/GYtHwK_94As/s640/IMG_5525FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Some birds I photograph to be able to identify later. I was most pleased to identify this one finally as an American Redstart, a life bird for me. The <a href="http://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/" target="_blank">Merlin bird App</a> was very helpful in this identification process.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9uiQdll_7M/Vcn6fIyGtTI/AAAAAAAADAc/SSfJKTyJ8-A/s1600/IMG_5527FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9uiQdll_7M/Vcn6fIyGtTI/AAAAAAAADAc/SSfJKTyJ8-A/s640/IMG_5527FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A thirteen lined ground squirrel was also out and about. He ran right past me at one point.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDToDI3LuPA/Vcn6Z9w3udI/AAAAAAAADAM/Oo9TmZMHiJo/s1600/IMG_5528FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JDToDI3LuPA/Vcn6Z9w3udI/AAAAAAAADAM/Oo9TmZMHiJo/s640/IMG_5528FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sully's Hill was created as a National Park under Theodore Roosevelt in 1904. &nbsp;During the Great Depression it was transferred to Fish and Wildlife Service. &nbsp;Interestingly it is one of seven National parks to be be disbanded. Some were turned into National Monuments or merged with other national parks. One, Mackinak National Park, became a state park.<br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3444357867998637905%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dlink&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-USRiaIZ2f0U%2FVcn6iAmXMBI%2FAAAAAAAADAk%2FGYtHwK_94As%2Fs640%2FIMG_5525FB.jpg&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.37.01&amp;xuid=VD9MzpiqYzNJ&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1548px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3444357867998637905%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dallposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dallposts%3BpostNum%3D2%3Bsrc%3Dlink&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-USRiaIZ2f0U%2FVcn6iAmXMBI%2FAAAAAAAADAk%2FGYtHwK_94As%2Fs640%2FIMG_5525FB.jpg&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.37.01&amp;xuid=VD9MzpiqYzNJ&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1548px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-59386508685147176962015-03-29T23:59:00.000-05:002015-03-29T23:59:01.492-05:00Desert Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rainbows always fascinate me. &nbsp;They are beautiful, ephemeral, and not something I see every day. &nbsp;When I am lucky enough to see a rainbow, &nbsp;I try to take time to enjoy it and appreciate it. &nbsp;As a Christian, a rainbow always reminds me of God's promise to Noah that He would never destroy the earth by flood again.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The science of rainbows are that it takes rain and sun to create a rainbow. &nbsp;In the desert, rain events are few and far between, so a rainbow is even more special in the desert. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my last trip, I was at Big Bend during several rain events. &nbsp;During the first one, the rain was in the middle of the afternoon when the sun was still high in the sky. &nbsp;The location of a rainbow is related to the sun angle. &nbsp;I was at the bottom of the valley when I saw the rain and sunshine. &nbsp;I knew that I had to get up higher in order to see the rainbow. &nbsp;I was with a photographer friend. When we got to the top and started looking for the rainbow, she saw it first. But it was against the hillside not high in the sky due to the sun angle - much as I had expected. I knew we would be looking down on the rainbow because of how high in the sky the sun was. I rushed to photograph it and thought that I had missed it. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I began working the photos from the trip, I realized that I had actually captured a double rainbow. &nbsp;One is barely visible against the hillside and the other in the sky.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyH03owJxCs/VQ9e9pjvkhI/AAAAAAAAC8U/17ds_vKzmuU/s1600/_D7A8796bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dyH03owJxCs/VQ9e9pjvkhI/AAAAAAAAC8U/17ds_vKzmuU/s1600/_D7A8796bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we drove back to where the bluebonnets were, &nbsp;I saw another rainbow barely peaking over the canyon wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veD8JF0zQi4/VQ9gROvKjfI/AAAAAAAAC8c/rU4aSNsGZbI/s1600/_D7A8814bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-veD8JF0zQi4/VQ9gROvKjfI/AAAAAAAAC8c/rU4aSNsGZbI/s1600/_D7A8814bl.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>On a different day, the sun and rain again appeared together. This time the sun was lower in the sky and I knew we needed to get down lower to see it. &nbsp;Sure enough, a rainbow next to Casa Grande. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Szhk7q8U3ts/VQ-Vo2mto4I/AAAAAAAAC90/S445lgnV-dA/s1600/_D7A1252TN.bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Szhk7q8U3ts/VQ-Vo2mto4I/AAAAAAAAC90/S445lgnV-dA/s1600/_D7A1252TN.bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a photographer, I get a sense of urgency when I know a rainbow is possible. I can hardly wait to get the chance to photograph it, so when I see one is possible and I'm in the wrong place, you can imagine me bouncing in my seat in anticipation and hope that I will get there in time to capture it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rainbow photography tips:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. &nbsp;Learn the sun angle - so you know whether or not you need a taller vantage point or a lower vantage point to see the rainbow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Use a circular polarizer filter. &nbsp;It will brighten the rainbow or make it totally disappear depending upon how it is turned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. &nbsp;Bracket your exposure so you have a better chance to get the most vibrant colors.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. &nbsp;When possible, try to find a location near you with an optimal composition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. &nbsp;Take time to enjoy the rainbow in the short time it is visible.&nbsp;</div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-20001280428330469522015-03-22T15:41:00.001-05:002015-03-22T15:46:18.540-05:00Photographing the Sunrise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a photographer, when I go on location I want to be up and in place for both sunrises and sunsets. &nbsp;Even when you study the weather forecasts, and check the sky when you go to bed, you never know what you will see in the morning. &nbsp;One of my photographic mantras is that you have to put yourself out there - whether you actually get what you visualized or not. &nbsp;Some sunrises and sunsets are busts, but if you aren't out there, you are going to miss some spectacular shots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The earliest glow begins at least 30 minutes before the sun actually clears the horizon. &nbsp;It is best if you can pick out your sunrise location the day before, but sometimes it is hard to visualize exactly where the sun is going to appear and even harder to know which clouds are going to be lit with glorious color. &nbsp;In addition when you are photographing in a mountainous region, the beautiful early glow may well be hidden behind the mountain. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was traveling with another photographer friend, and we strove to get up and be at a location in plenty of time. &nbsp;We would debate as we went along about the merits of the various locations on the way. Often however, the beginning of the glow would determine where we stopped.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This particular morning the glow began early with only a small slit at the horizon for the sun to light the sky with. &nbsp;It began with more blue tones. &nbsp;And our location was challenging. &nbsp;The area backlit by the sun was narrow - so trying to get the big view left you with only a thin band of glow. So I chose to limit how much of the glow I was photographing in order to have a more interesting composition with the foreground topography.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zr4L2wWAXEg/VQ8hYFGAxkI/AAAAAAAAC58/4XlZOYlW81A/s1600/_D7A7964bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zr4L2wWAXEg/VQ8hYFGAxkI/AAAAAAAAC58/4XlZOYlW81A/s1600/_D7A7964bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />The first hint of yellows appeared.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BZoYFYGAj0/VQ8hXouRzFI/AAAAAAAAC5o/FO6DlxFoO5U/s1600/_D7A7981bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1BZoYFYGAj0/VQ8hXouRzFI/AAAAAAAAC5o/FO6DlxFoO5U/s1600/_D7A7981bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />You can see here how narrow that band of glow was . . .<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeY7bmK9CH4/VQ8hYF7oIII/AAAAAAAAC5s/W98Li2W6aSU/s1600/_D7A8001bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BeY7bmK9CH4/VQ8hYF7oIII/AAAAAAAAC5s/W98Li2W6aSU/s1600/_D7A8001bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;It looked much more beautiful when I zoomed in and captured only the smaller details in the foreground . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDlYagehlP8/VQ8hYmqZ4TI/AAAAAAAAC50/oCMXwV-aDTg/s1600/_D7A8006bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cDlYagehlP8/VQ8hYmqZ4TI/AAAAAAAAC50/oCMXwV-aDTg/s1600/_D7A8006bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />But it was also hard to resist catching that larger feature on the left.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9wzr9s6cjU/VQ8hZECiOQI/AAAAAAAAC6E/5rk81BjHbGs/s1600/_D7A8007bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9wzr9s6cjU/VQ8hZECiOQI/AAAAAAAAC6E/5rk81BjHbGs/s1600/_D7A8007bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8hJ4xIENzs/VQ8hZYZ8VEI/AAAAAAAAC6A/am5zc2A0MFw/s1600/_D7A8025bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8hJ4xIENzs/VQ8hZYZ8VEI/AAAAAAAAC6A/am5zc2A0MFw/s1600/_D7A8025bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here was the view on the right side of my viewing area - less interesting details, but the lighting on these clouds called to be photographed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GceRs0ic-t8/VQ8haGbBPrI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/p2jAhK8ikDM/s1600/_D7A8026bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GceRs0ic-t8/VQ8haGbBPrI/AAAAAAAAC6Q/p2jAhK8ikDM/s1600/_D7A8026bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jm-Sa4NKQ8/VQ8haVJfI_I/AAAAAAAAC6U/ylXinV6Cz-Q/s1600/_D7A8054bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Jm-Sa4NKQ8/VQ8haVJfI_I/AAAAAAAAC6U/ylXinV6Cz-Q/s1600/_D7A8054bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />As the sun got closer to the horizon, the angle of lighting changed and more of the underside of the clouds began to light up.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv03WH7WMGc/VQ8hamQOkKI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/SiD5t3xqSSw/s1600/_D7A8058bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yv03WH7WMGc/VQ8hamQOkKI/AAAAAAAAC6Y/SiD5t3xqSSw/s1600/_D7A8058bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMOWzR_Mb-w/VQ8hbL3-FTI/AAAAAAAAC6k/VEnEIpU9T8g/s1600/_D7A8059bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lMOWzR_Mb-w/VQ8hbL3-FTI/AAAAAAAAC6k/VEnEIpU9T8g/s1600/_D7A8059bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMypWjy2k14/VQ8hbrpOD2I/AAAAAAAAC6s/Lbd8E__OaMo/s1600/_D7A8060bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EMypWjy2k14/VQ8hbrpOD2I/AAAAAAAAC6s/Lbd8E__OaMo/s1600/_D7A8060bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R76KDfGcaYU/VQ8hcIPuy4I/AAAAAAAAC60/_iMBt8Qnn2E/s1600/_D7A8061bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R76KDfGcaYU/VQ8hcIPuy4I/AAAAAAAAC60/_iMBt8Qnn2E/s1600/_D7A8061bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Now the compositions had more details . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHSwi7liB7s/VQ8hcYPp7_I/AAAAAAAAC68/jh605z8j59M/s1600/_D7A8071bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UHSwi7liB7s/VQ8hcYPp7_I/AAAAAAAAC68/jh605z8j59M/s1600/_D7A8071bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />I wanted some vertical shots. This one I used some of the features in Photoshop CC's Camera Raw to bring out details in the foreground as well as the beautiful glowing clouds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxJdsNQjJnw/VQ8hdeHLdgI/AAAAAAAAC7U/P3Mw-Rb4rDY/s1600/_D7A8077bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bxJdsNQjJnw/VQ8hdeHLdgI/AAAAAAAAC7U/P3Mw-Rb4rDY/s1600/_D7A8077bl.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />It is getting closer . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJnpZSkOGjg/VQ8hdAmJ3TI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/2UQZulZaJL4/s1600/_D7A8081bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PJnpZSkOGjg/VQ8hdAmJ3TI/AAAAAAAAC7Q/2UQZulZaJL4/s1600/_D7A8081bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYb4ONq5VJI/VQ8hdrpy8zI/AAAAAAAAC7c/ODvIQ3Db340/s1600/_D7A8088bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pYb4ONq5VJI/VQ8hdrpy8zI/AAAAAAAAC7c/ODvIQ3Db340/s1600/_D7A8088bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;And . . . here it is . . . &nbsp;the first glimpse of the sun . . .<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCDRN2XGR5s/VQ8hd45JBQI/AAAAAAAAC7g/lXnxYl3hIwU/s1600/_D7A8118bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCDRN2XGR5s/VQ8hd45JBQI/AAAAAAAAC7g/lXnxYl3hIwU/s1600/_D7A8118bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We needed to have that low horizon line to capture the earliest glow, &nbsp;but when the actual sun came up, it did not line up with the more interesting land features. &nbsp;So I went more wide angle and yes, it is a centered composition. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bumped my f/stop to f/22 hoping to get the starburst effect. The small aperture bends (diffracts) the light and creates the starburst shape. Also, shooting with a wider focal length which I also did here) creates a larger size for the starburst. &nbsp;You have to catch the sun while it is still partially obscured and a smaller point source. &nbsp;</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0VYxALR1RU/VQ8hfLqmvMI/AAAAAAAAC70/sTx1j7m5jRA/s1600/_D7A8133bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k0VYxALR1RU/VQ8hfLqmvMI/AAAAAAAAC70/sTx1j7m5jRA/s1600/_D7A8133bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some cautions about sunrise and sunset photography. You need to be very careful not to look through the camera lens into the sun to avoid damaging your eyes. And, once the sun is fully above the horizon, you don't want to damage your camera sensor.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Shooting directly into the sun can also cause lens flare. &nbsp;Sometimes it can add to the composition and sometimes it detracts. In this case, I think I like it - this image captures the sense of the bright beginnings of a new day . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICgPO83XnBY/VQ8he960spI/AAAAAAAAC7w/zJMdsbB54Xw/s1600/_D7A8129BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICgPO83XnBY/VQ8he960spI/AAAAAAAAC7w/zJMdsbB54Xw/s1600/_D7A8129BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-52856908756852890452015-01-31T23:33:00.000-06:002015-01-31T23:34:50.009-06:00A Big Bend Panorama<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_lNgNhZPvk/VM21ubDthII/AAAAAAAAC4Y/XQZqnYRZHEI/s1600/_D7A8045b.Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7_lNgNhZPvk/VM21ubDthII/AAAAAAAAC4Y/XQZqnYRZHEI/s1600/_D7A8045b.Blog.jpg" height="268" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are air quality issues at Big Bend . . . many of the days I was there . . . the haze obscured the vistas. &nbsp;I had assumed the air pollution was coming from Mexico, but research indicates that coal fired plants in both Texas and Mexico contribute. Prevailing summer winds bring pollutants from the Gulf Coast and Mexico into the Big Bend area. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, it also gave some opportunities for some dramatic photos. &nbsp;I was fascinated by how the backlit mountains were silhouetted with the smog defining the ridges. &nbsp;I took a sequence of shots, hoping that I would have something to work with.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the original.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_UgNVFo3c/VM24Pm82UBI/AAAAAAAAC4k/IzJBHFiq1Mg/s1600/_D7A8045bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D-_UgNVFo3c/VM24Pm82UBI/AAAAAAAAC4k/IzJBHFiq1Mg/s1600/_D7A8045bl.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Post processing is major part of a photographer's toolbox. &nbsp;In this case I cropped in photoshop to remove most of the sky and some of the foreground to create a more panoramic look. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I used NIK Software Color Efex Pro's Detail Extractor to bring out more of the details in those amazing volcanic features. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is another view of the same scene, this time shot with a sequence of shots and stitched. While this one shows more the vast and beautiful panorama here, full sized it is 10 inches tall and 75 inches wide . . . somehow I don't think I will ever print it . . .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYY0A0_rX_s/VM26KrrX5fI/AAAAAAAAC4w/srDHtUvv9RQ/s1600/Panorama2b.BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYY0A0_rX_s/VM26KrrX5fI/AAAAAAAAC4w/srDHtUvv9RQ/s1600/Panorama2b.BL.jpg" height="84" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wish that there was more being done to reduce the pollution . . . Big Bend is far from the populations centers of Texas . . . out of sight, out of mind . . .&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-D-_UgNVFo3c%252FVM24Pm82UBI%252FAAAAAAAAC4k%252FIzJBHFiq1Mg%252Fs1600%252F_D7A8045bl.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 502px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-D-_UgNVFo3c%252FVM24Pm82UBI%252FAAAAAAAAC4k%252FIzJBHFiq1Mg%252Fs1600%252F_D7A8045bl.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 502px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-D-_UgNVFo3c%252FVM24Pm82UBI%252FAAAAAAAAC4k%252FIzJBHFiq1Mg%252Fs1600%252F_D7A8045bl.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 502px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D13971647%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-D-_UgNVFo3c%252FVM24Pm82UBI%252FAAAAAAAAC4k%252FIzJBHFiq1Mg%252Fs1600%252F_D7A8045bl.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&amp;xm=h&amp;xv=sa1.35&amp;description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 502px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-80257210667069456332014-05-13T10:41:00.001-05:002014-05-13T10:41:12.662-05:00Photographing the DesertI have grown to love the desert, but sometimes I find it difficult to photograph in ways that really capture the beauty that I see. &nbsp;Parts of Big Bend Ranch State Park are dramatically beautiful because of the viewpoints overlooking eroded canyons where it feels like you can see forever. &nbsp;Photographing to capture that wide expanse sometimes falls short because what your eye is appreciating can look small and insignificant in a photograph. <br /><br />I used my 100-400mm lens at 190mm to zoom in to get a better view of the ridges and canyons in the distance. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ls3YxAqexU/U3IyQY6KzpI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Ol1RHCufTJc/s1600/_D7A7026BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ls3YxAqexU/U3IyQY6KzpI/AAAAAAAAC2o/Ol1RHCufTJc/s1600/_D7A7026BL.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_1116629166"></span><span id="goog_1116629167"></span><br /><br />Here is the wider angle shot with my 24-105mm lens at 45mm. &nbsp;Now the foreground becomes more important and the canyons seem far, far away. &nbsp;The challenge with the wide angle shot is to move around and find interesting things in the foreground to capture the interest of your viewer and lead them into the image. &nbsp;In this shot so much of the foreground is typically desert "busy" but that one yucca works to anchor the image. &nbsp;This gives your viewer something that grabs the eye and hopefully encourages them to continue exploring the image.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtOnZrKG1U0/U3I0q_IuDzI/AAAAAAAAC20/YIus3VoWsQY/s1600/_D7A7029BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZtOnZrKG1U0/U3I0q_IuDzI/AAAAAAAAC20/YIus3VoWsQY/s1600/_D7A7029BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />This next shot was also taken with the 24-105mm at 45mm, but I have changed location with the yucca a much more prominent feature in the image. I am closer to the yucca but the camera was also closer to the ground. &nbsp;This gives more detail to the other plants on the desert floor and removes the cluttered look at the lower left hand side of the image above.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgFN3JleBkQ/U3I4omMXfoI/AAAAAAAAC3A/KvM0JGbZR6M/s1600/_D7A7036BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pgFN3JleBkQ/U3I4omMXfoI/AAAAAAAAC3A/KvM0JGbZR6M/s1600/_D7A7036BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />I moved around more because I wanted to see if I could get one of the ocotillos as a point of interest in the image. &nbsp;I changed to 67mm on the lens. One of the things I don't like in this image is that yucca stalk that creeps into the image on the left. I kept moving around trying to find the perfect spot so it would not be in the image. Yes, I can clone it out, but I prefer to do as much as I can to get the best images in the camera.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVH28Fz2XGc/U3I7Lruw5uI/AAAAAAAAC3M/kfyX5DLHrVM/s1600/_D7A7038BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fVH28Fz2XGc/U3I7Lruw5uI/AAAAAAAAC3M/kfyX5DLHrVM/s1600/_D7A7038BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Each of these images tells a slightly different story about this scene. &nbsp;Which one do you like best?Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-17287088891995575222014-04-06T15:11:00.000-05:002014-04-06T15:11:36.271-05:00Big Bend Ranch State Park - Shooting for HDR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over the years, I have learned that discipline is a very important part of photography. Many times I have arrived at my photographic destination at the "right" time, but it feels like I am getting "nothing." I chimp at the photos I've taken and I think I've had a bust. &nbsp;But then, after I get home and start doing the post processing, I find that my discipline to keep shooting, bracketing for HDR (High Dynamic Range), pays off.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the final image:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHsMDElXVJo/U0Gry6eNPJI/AAAAAAAAC2M/Q8-fYsI_pJc/s3200/_MG_0365_HDRBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eHsMDElXVJo/U0Gry6eNPJI/AAAAAAAAC2M/Q8-fYsI_pJc/s3200/_MG_0365_HDRBlog.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here are the two images used to create it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clOB_I0PDeA/U0Gr09OKwJI/AAAAAAAAC2U/kVqID39jN20/s3200/_MG_0365BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-clOB_I0PDeA/U0Gr09OKwJI/AAAAAAAAC2U/kVqID39jN20/s3200/_MG_0365BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrS9BsaKqsI/U0GryZ0xPOI/AAAAAAAAC2E/3P9LgbAHK4E/s3200/_MG_0366BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vrS9BsaKqsI/U0GryZ0xPOI/AAAAAAAAC2E/3P9LgbAHK4E/s3200/_MG_0366BL.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sometimes my HDR work is intended to depict what my eyes saw and what the camera can not capture in one image. &nbsp;Sometimes, using the available software, the image moves beyond what my eye saw to an artistic interpretation. &nbsp;<br /><br />I recently bought the NIK Software package with an updated HDR Efex Pro 2. &nbsp;This version is MUCH faster and still gives a lot of choices for the final tone mapping. &nbsp;I added some sharpening and additional saturation to give that beautiful sunrise glow. For some photography markets, it probably has too much post processing to qualify. &nbsp;But . . . &nbsp;I think it will make a good print.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-3291021036230205932014-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-01T08:00:08.666-05:00Sauceda Lodge BunkhouseUnfortunately, I did not take any photos of the bunkhouse, but it deserves mention in this series of blogs about Big Bend Ranch State Park. On the outside, it looks like a big metal building with a great porch with wagon wheel seating. &nbsp;Walk inside and it is an inviting great room with a dining area for about 40 and a sitting area around a fireplace. On the right are the entrances to the men and women's sections. &nbsp;When I heard bunkhouse, I was expecting camp like facilities with literal bunk beds. &nbsp;Instead, each corridor has little open "rooms" with two twin beds. &nbsp;There is space under each bed to store your belongings. the bathroom with showers and toilets are on the end. <br /><br />The big great room is a great place to meet other people from park rangers to other guests. &nbsp;One park ranger who was getting his morning coffee gave us excellent ideas on where to go for the day. &nbsp;There was one other visitor, a geology enthusiast who shared his knowledge of the geology of the park at the end of the day. <br /><br />Meal service is available from the kitchen Friday through Mondays. Prior reservations no later than seven days ahead of arrival with prepayment are required. &nbsp;Call the Big Bend Ranch 423-358-4444 for reservations. &nbsp;Breakfast is at 8 a.m. Lunch is at noon. Dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. Because we knew we would spend most of our day exploring and photographing, we did not eat one of the meals. The bunkhouse kitchen is not available for guests, but there is a refrigerator and microwave. &nbsp;There was also ice tea and coffee available.<br /><br />The bunkhouse is a comfortable, reasonably priced place to stay at the Big Bend Ranch State Park. &nbsp;Its informal atmosphere allows pleasant interaction with other visitors and staff. &nbsp;We were there during spring when the weather was cool, but I did see air conditioning units. Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-393014993423590542014-03-30T21:27:00.004-05:002014-03-30T21:27:42.943-05:00Sauceda Ranch House - Big Bend Ranch State Park <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The main road to the interior of the Big Bend Ranch State Park is wide, unpaved and suitable for high ground clearance two wheel drive cars. However, the washboards and the desert washes make it rough. &nbsp;I recommend only traveling on it with vehicles with sturdy suspensions. &nbsp;It winds through beautiful volcanic, igneous rock formations. &nbsp;The roads past the Sauceda Headquarters require high ground clearance rugged 4 wheel drive vehicles as well as special permits from the park. &nbsp;This is desert country, so plenty of water is critical for travel here. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a 27 mile drive on a graded but bumpy washboard road, arrival at the Sauceda Headquarters is a welcome site. &nbsp;The state park employees offer a cheerful greeting and help you get settled in. &nbsp;If you are going to go on the true jeep roads, you will need to read through an orientation to the park with all the safety concerns and obtain a permit for travel. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are three choices for lodging in the center of the park: the Sauceda Ranch House, the Bunk House and primitive camping along the jeep roads. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Sauceda Ranch house was built in 1908 and remodeled in the 1940's. A careful observer will note that the kitchen and one of the bedrooms seems to be an addition to the original structure. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After entering the adobe fenced area, a delightful screened porch welcomes you to spend time.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CsbGkkWp_k/UzjRGfqUfdI/AAAAAAAAC1s/lQ75yytrUB4/s1600/blog-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5CsbGkkWp_k/UzjRGfqUfdI/AAAAAAAAC1s/lQ75yytrUB4/s1600/blog-.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The large living area has a television and games for entertainment. &nbsp;While there is limited Wifi available at the bunkhouse, this is a good place to disconnect from the outside world and savor a simpler lifestyle for a few days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njVbWZFDgEY/UzjLXdycYNI/AAAAAAAAC0s/P6cCxAvukn4/s1600/blog--2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-njVbWZFDgEY/UzjLXdycYNI/AAAAAAAAC0s/P6cCxAvukn4/s1600/blog--2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><br />The dining room is large enough for families to gather at the end of the day for good food, fellowship, and sharing of the day's adventures.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeKnfdI2jfE/UzjLXwO1cxI/AAAAAAAAC0w/_gjtxYO7TrE/s1600/blog--3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UeKnfdI2jfE/UzjLXwO1cxI/AAAAAAAAC0w/_gjtxYO7TrE/s1600/blog--3.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />The kitchen is large and has all the utensils and plates for serving. &nbsp;If guests plan ahead, prepared food is available in the bunkhouse dining room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6aAelatNEI/UzjLX7455vI/AAAAAAAAC04/mCSC0ySrecU/s1600/blog--4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6aAelatNEI/UzjLX7455vI/AAAAAAAAC04/mCSC0ySrecU/s1600/blog--4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The three bedrooms are tastefully decorated with Texas ranch country themes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3d9CEJT740/UzjRbYeTEMI/AAAAAAAAC10/Idf2c9ZHKsg/s1600/blog--5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d3d9CEJT740/UzjRbYeTEMI/AAAAAAAAC10/Idf2c9ZHKsg/s1600/blog--5.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />There is one bedroom with one bed and the other two bedrooms have 2 beds.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJabtjHr-NA/UzjLbjrKO0I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/Yx4pFXu9kJo/s1600/blog--6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EJabtjHr-NA/UzjLbjrKO0I/AAAAAAAAC1Q/Yx4pFXu9kJo/s1600/blog--6.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br />Each bedroom has a fireplace for cold nights.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt9Iskk9CKU/UzjLbe0VI0I/AAAAAAAAC1M/TWZGEjjXIQI/s1600/blog--7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gt9Iskk9CKU/UzjLbe0VI0I/AAAAAAAAC1M/TWZGEjjXIQI/s1600/blog--7.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/big-bend-ranch/fees-facilities/lodging" target="_blank">Pricing</a> is reasonable. Reservations are made through the Austin state office: 512-389-3919. <br /><br />I did not see air conditioning for summer months, but the house is true adobe with thick walls and great windows for cross ventilation. <br /><br />It was a delight to spend one night here. &nbsp;I hope to come back again with more nights at this elegant historic home.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-74762648446609691982014-03-20T23:13:00.000-05:002014-03-20T23:13:23.205-05:00Big Bend - The Adventure Begins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today was the first full day in the Big Bend area. I am traveling with, <a href="http://damronphoto.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Damron </a> a photographer friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We began the day taking FM 170, the River Road section of Big Bend Ranch State Park.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkeNCjOVYw0/Uyu5CF7Xq1I/AAAAAAAACzk/zCRAAnYCuCU/s3200/_D7A6821BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkeNCjOVYw0/Uyu5CF7Xq1I/AAAAAAAACzk/zCRAAnYCuCU/s3200/_D7A6821BL.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a chilly morning, the vultures were waiting until it warmed off to soar over the valley.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMYBCXgkw38/Uyu5KHXdMSI/AAAAAAAACz4/Z6ukFawAxig/s3200/IMG_3887BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DMYBCXgkw38/Uyu5KHXdMSI/AAAAAAAACz4/Z6ukFawAxig/s3200/IMG_3887BL.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were cliff swallows over the river. I was hoping to capture one of them visiting the nests. Perhaps tomorrow I will get lucky.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytnH1bfyoGU/Uyu5JanLgHI/AAAAAAAACzs/0579xX-APXU/s3200/IMG_3901BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytnH1bfyoGU/Uyu5JanLgHI/AAAAAAAACzs/0579xX-APXU/s3200/IMG_3901BL.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Big horn sheep showed up above us on our way back to Terlingua.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_s6fcgZhqc/Uyu5JlCD8FI/AAAAAAAACzw/0ezNYCaEUIk/s3200/IMG_3916BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8_s6fcgZhqc/Uyu5JlCD8FI/AAAAAAAACzw/0ezNYCaEUIk/s3200/IMG_3916BL.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORsa9JGPBEE/Uyu5KJH1nvI/AAAAAAAAC0A/48U-AlA0iaM/s3200/IMG_3920BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ORsa9JGPBEE/Uyu5KJH1nvI/AAAAAAAAC0A/48U-AlA0iaM/s3200/IMG_3920BL.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Going into Big Bend National Park, I added a new bird species to my life list, a Phainopepla.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I added several birds to my year list - Say's Phoebe, White Throated Sparrow, Black Phoebe, etc.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YzRCblrwFI/Uyu5LiAqFwI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/rWbo08qwOiI/s3200/IMG_3932BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YzRCblrwFI/Uyu5LiAqFwI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/rWbo08qwOiI/s3200/IMG_3932BL.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was really planning on birding around Santa Elena Canyon, but the golden canyon walls beckoned to be photographed. &nbsp;Not a great photo, but it is a glimpse of my world today.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hueNdmflm9I/Uyu5K4J6bmI/AAAAAAAAC0I/UMyPytww840/s3200/IMG_3934BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hueNdmflm9I/Uyu5K4J6bmI/AAAAAAAAC0I/UMyPytww840/s3200/IMG_3934BL.jpg" height="640" width="512" /></a></div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-52644465910964019282013-08-17T21:57:00.000-05:002013-08-17T21:57:13.353-05:00Least BitternAt the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas, there were several least bitterns that were less secretive than other least bitterns I've seen. I saw at least 2 and one stayed right next to the boardwalk to the delight of my fellow shorebird field trip buddies. <br /><br />I had seen least bitterns here a year or so ago and last summer at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. The one at Anahuac disappeared into the reeds at the sound of my camera clicks. &nbsp;The ones today gave us good opportunities to look and photograph. &nbsp;I hadn't realized how large their feet are in relation to their small body size. Least bitterns are the smallest of the heron egret family. &nbsp;They are found mostly along the coast. &nbsp;I think they are one of the most beautifully colored of the herons and egrets with the green heron a close second.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKrvhT_0b0/UhA3pwnPXjI/AAAAAAAACzE/WKZBsyDD8RU/s1600/IMG_2849shblog+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMKrvhT_0b0/UhA3pwnPXjI/AAAAAAAACzE/WKZBsyDD8RU/s640/IMG_2849shblog+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-71170416035474189942013-08-15T12:49:00.000-05:002013-08-15T13:00:07.654-05:00Perseid Meteor Shower 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Photographing meteor showers means staying awake between midnight and dawn in a dark place far from city lights. &nbsp;Mason, Texas was my choice this year and my photographer friend, <a href="http://damronphoto.com/" target="_blank">Nancy Damrom</a>&nbsp;joined me in this adventure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Because this year's Perseid meteor shower peaked on Monday afternoon, we photographed both early Monday morning and early Tuesday morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Our location was the <a href="http://lindsayranch.net/" target="_blank">Lindsay Ranch</a> which has hunting cabins for rent with access to their 700 acre ranch. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first night we set up near the windmill.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6MyZv8TeQ/Ug0RxIcjf6I/AAAAAAAACys/6e2CewFcHYQ/s1600/_D7A6596bl+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6MyZv8TeQ/Ug0RxIcjf6I/AAAAAAAACys/6e2CewFcHYQ/s640/_D7A6596bl+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The second night we wanted to have trees in our composition.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDjl2PF5uYo/Ug0SGxT6ZgI/AAAAAAAACy0/Dbn7lTpkZ6A/s1600/_D7A6952BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QDjl2PF5uYo/Ug0SGxT6ZgI/AAAAAAAACy0/Dbn7lTpkZ6A/s640/_D7A6952BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />In our night driving and while we sat waiting for meteors we saw ringtail, skunks, armadillos, deer, and burros. &nbsp;The night was filled with sounds of crickets and tree frogs. <br /><br />It was well worth shifting the sleep schedule for a couple of days to spend time watching the beautiful Milky Way waiting for meteors to streak across the sky. &nbsp;God's creation is a wonder to behold!Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-56502994799175855432013-07-14T23:35:00.000-05:002013-07-14T23:45:55.031-05:00Eckert James River Bat Cave PreserveLast Thursday, I finally had a chance to visit the Eckert James River Bat Cave near Mason, Texas. &nbsp;My friend and I arrived a little before 7:00 and there was already a stream of bats flying over the river valley. &nbsp;There were three hawks successfully hunting the bats as we watched. &nbsp;We grabbed our camera gear and headed up the 1500 foot trail leading up the hill to the entrance to the cave. It is an uphill climb, but it is not too steep. A flashlight would be useful if you stayed until dark to come back down. &nbsp; When we arrived at the entrance, it was such a pleasant place. &nbsp;Wooden benches provide comfortable seating in a grove of trees for shade. &nbsp;The cave opens such that an earlier arrival might have given opportunity for the bats to have natural sunlight for better lighting of their small furry bodies. &nbsp;I am hoping for my next visit to arrive at 6:00 p.m. when the gates open.<br /><br />We arrived just as the first set of bats were leaving. &nbsp;While waiting we saw what was identified as a white racer snake &nbsp;moving along the other side of the small cliff.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07GOT7qzXzI/UeNcA7uOjFI/AAAAAAAACv0/ZjTjvMgtWDQ/s1600/_D7A6028Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-07GOT7qzXzI/UeNcA7uOjFI/AAAAAAAACv0/ZjTjvMgtWDQ/s640/_D7A6028Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />&nbsp;After waiting patiently the next wave of bats began to fly out. &nbsp;WOW! &nbsp;The air in front of the seats was filled with bats! &nbsp;I believe that this is the closest I've ever been to the bats as they leave their roosts. &nbsp;It felt like they were coming within about 5 feet of us and we could hear the sound of the thousands of wings. <br /><br />I had brought both my 28-105 mm lens and my 100-400 lens. &nbsp;The bats were flying so fast that it was hard to get a good focus with the longer lens. &nbsp;But even with the 28-105 mm lens, you can see the translucent wings and small bodies as the bats circled the entrance to the cave before leaving the area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVB57dc8KpI/UeNd_PI9OPI/AAAAAAAACwg/oeUW3ovgFbY/s1600/_MG_9909Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KVB57dc8KpI/UeNd_PI9OPI/AAAAAAAACwg/oeUW3ovgFbY/s640/_MG_9909Blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bats fly very close to you. Some even landed in the little bushes in front of us. &nbsp;Two snakes were hunting these bats in the bushes near us. &nbsp;From one of my photos, they had success.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGFpKsKVKMM/UeN19yVD4xI/AAAAAAAACxE/BE0qxMrjFVQ/s1600/_MG_9911blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FGFpKsKVKMM/UeN19yVD4xI/AAAAAAAACxE/BE0qxMrjFVQ/s640/_MG_9911blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I tried a different angle also with the 28-105mm to get both the silhouettes of the closer bats but also the ribbon of bats flying off to feed.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aYD5VccLX0/UeN0rXBfrCI/AAAAAAAACww/WnmvbXS6w8A/s1600/_MG_9912blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4aYD5VccLX0/UeN0rXBfrCI/AAAAAAAACww/WnmvbXS6w8A/s640/_MG_9912blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The Eckert James River Bat Cave is either the 2nd or 3rd largest bat colony with both Mexican Free-tailed bats and Cave Myotis. Approximately 4-6 million bats live in a natural cavern only slightly larger than a school bus. &nbsp; The Mexican Free-tails exit in a swirling circle from the opening near the observation area. &nbsp;From the docent I learned that the cave myotis exit a different opening and fly in a straight line. &nbsp;They also exit right at sunset. As we were leaving near sunset, I saw bats that I think were the cave myotis where she had &nbsp;told me to look. &nbsp;I had already put away my camera gear and it was dark - so I did not try to photograph them, but I was glad I saw them. <br /><br />The <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/placesweprotect/eckert-james-river-bat-cave-preserve.xml" target="_blank">Eckert James River Bat Cave </a>is owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy. Richard Phillip Eckert and Virginia Eckert Garret donated the land on the condition that the cave remain open to the public. &nbsp;The cave is open from mid-May to early October Thursdays through Sundays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. &nbsp;Once a month it is open at dawn to view the bats' return. &nbsp;Cost is $5.00. &nbsp;It is a good idea to bring exact change. &nbsp;To reach the bat cave from Mason on the James River Road it is necessary to cross the Llano River. &nbsp;It is a fun crossing, but use caution and be alert for flash flooding. While most times it is not deep, I recommend a high ground clearance vehicle. &nbsp;During a rainy time or in doubt, take the back route. Remember turn around, don't drown!Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-61257751204628129722013-07-05T13:40:00.000-05:002013-07-05T13:43:59.436-05:00Fireworks - Old Settler's Park - Round Rock, Texas 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We got to the park early with a picnic dinner from Golden Chick. The park was crowded and most parking areas were full. By the time we got settled, I feared I was too far away from where I had seen the setup to get what I wanted. But it was fun to watch other families get settled in with their chairs, blankets, and toys for the kids. I especially enjoyed the toddlers, imagining my grandson, Tobyn, exploring his world next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZKmyUQnlDw/Udb_-jlHVjI/AAAAAAAACuE/YGcDiV_ydzQ/s1600/_D7A5709BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZKmyUQnlDw/Udb_-jlHVjI/AAAAAAAACuE/YGcDiV_ydzQ/s1600/_D7A5709BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZKmyUQnlDw/Udb_-jlHVjI/AAAAAAAACuE/YGcDiV_ydzQ/s640/_D7A5709BL.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 sec, f/16, ISO 100 &nbsp; &nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Doing one's homework in advance is usually a good thing, but since I had been to the Old Settler's Park fireworks before, I didn't look it up. &nbsp;But as it got later I checked Round Rock's website. The fireworks weren't scheduled to begin until 10:00 p.m. &nbsp;They were going to synchronize with the Dell Diamond fireworks after the ball game. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When they started, I was ecstatic, because I had a wonderful position. &nbsp;When zoomed out with my 28-105 lens the bursts overflowed my frame.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmg9938biWk/UdcAB8zghCI/AAAAAAAACuU/HbS-jLuU52s/s1600/_D7A5724BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mmg9938biWk/UdcAB8zghCI/AAAAAAAACuU/HbS-jLuU52s/s640/_D7A5724BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">4 sec, f/16, ISO 100<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I had to zoom out to get the full displays. &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmDbMwmFZSQ/UdcADdX3FhI/AAAAAAAACuc/xCrMXC1PcYg/s1600/_D7A5817BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AmDbMwmFZSQ/UdcADdX3FhI/AAAAAAAACuc/xCrMXC1PcYg/s640/_D7A5817BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">3.2 Sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">My experiments with focus blur did not do as well. &nbsp;My usual technique for photographing fireworks is to use a distant light as my focus with autofocus. Then I change it to manual focus so that I don't have to wait for the camera to refocus on moving fireworks for each shot. &nbsp;Trying to do the focus blurs from &nbsp;I mentioned yesterday from <a _blank="" href="http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2010/06/make-unique-fireworks-photos-using-focus-blur%20target=">PopPhoto.com </a>&nbsp;required leaving the camera on autofocus and then trying to change the focus mid shot when I was only shooting 4 second shots. &nbsp;I ended up with camera motion which while intriguing did not produce the look I was trying for.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are a couple of the shots where I was trying for focus blur.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvgsL2w4BtY/UdcLrn3sQnI/AAAAAAAACvM/Ldjhv5HEOWo/s1600/_D7A5775BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VvgsL2w4BtY/UdcLrn3sQnI/AAAAAAAACvM/Ldjhv5HEOWo/s640/_D7A5775BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.2 sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFjhulCC9s/UdcNkjeSK7I/AAAAAAAACvc/H2t0mJ8WX_A/s1600/_D7A5798BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnFjhulCC9s/UdcNkjeSK7I/AAAAAAAACvc/H2t0mJ8WX_A/s640/_D7A5798BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">3.2 Sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I tried setting a longer shutter speed for one shot. &nbsp;I probably should have tried more choices in longer shutter speeds.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol6e-nX6sAc/UdcOPZfwa7I/AAAAAAAACvk/gMzTZoBIhnE/s1600/_D7A5795BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ol6e-nX6sAc/UdcOPZfwa7I/AAAAAAAACvk/gMzTZoBIhnE/s640/_D7A5795BL.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">13 sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But the fireworks were happening too fast. &nbsp;I didn't want to miss the captures I knew how to do since I had such a good photographic angle this year. So I went back to my standard methodology - fixed focus with manual settings for exposure for consistency.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huxFPdwy0sQ/UdcAEWmVHMI/AAAAAAAACuk/tMZYVNJ8BPE/s1600/_D7A5730BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-huxFPdwy0sQ/UdcAEWmVHMI/AAAAAAAACuk/tMZYVNJ8BPE/s640/_D7A5730BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">4 sec, F/16, ISO 100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEVO-sWR92M/Udb_-7_FjbI/AAAAAAAACuI/8N0_DdbUvi4/s1600/_D7A5718BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IEVO-sWR92M/Udb_-7_FjbI/AAAAAAAACuI/8N0_DdbUvi4/s640/_D7A5718BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4 sec, f/16, ISO 100</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did change my exposure by changing my f/stop giving me my best Grand Finale photos.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkK4ByLjHlE/UdcAJmzpnXI/AAAAAAAACus/fBkKGKcxl5s/s1600/_D7A5842BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkK4ByLjHlE/UdcAJmzpnXI/AAAAAAAACus/fBkKGKcxl5s/s640/_D7A5842BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">3.2 sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ON7aesYbxmI/UdcAZpISUsI/AAAAAAAACu8/YjPxWq1g5NQ/s1600/_D7A5845BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ON7aesYbxmI/UdcAZpISUsI/AAAAAAAACu8/YjPxWq1g5NQ/s640/_D7A5845BL.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">3.2 sec, f/22, ISO 100</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o_XmVWnPmo/UdcAMdqxsfI/AAAAAAAACu0/Q6oKbN3_cKU/s1600/_D7A5846BL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7o_XmVWnPmo/UdcAMdqxsfI/AAAAAAAACu0/Q6oKbN3_cKU/s640/_D7A5846BL.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">3.2 Sec, f/22, ISO 100<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Fortunately, the Dell Diamond shoots fireworks after every game. &nbsp;I should go back and try again for the focus blurs.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-33218637351650784102013-07-04T12:13:00.000-05:002013-07-05T13:45:24.107-05:00Photographing Fireworks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a photographer, I think about photographing fireworks each year. &nbsp;In going back through slides that we took 30-40 years ago I found fireworks photos.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first year I took digital firework shots, I researched on the internet and got some ideas. The nice thing about digital is that you can shoot a test shot early in the evening to make sure you aren't over exposing. &nbsp;You can make adjustments that will last until the time for the Grand Finale. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From 2004, here are some of my firework images along with their settings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPw_Ok9aCa4/UdWd7BsfKzI/AAAAAAAACsw/M6p5oBgKiYQ/s1000/CRW_7439blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="603" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dPw_Ok9aCa4/UdWd7BsfKzI/AAAAAAAACsw/M6p5oBgKiYQ/s640/CRW_7439blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 10D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAsXWMmzNVo/UdWd6JgWsOI/AAAAAAAACso/B3arZG01nsU/s1000/CRW_7474blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MAsXWMmzNVo/UdWd6JgWsOI/AAAAAAAACso/B3arZG01nsU/s640/CRW_7474blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 10D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 2010, we were in Breckenridge and I tried to get shots that showed the fireworks over the sweet town. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xa9OnYRtIw/UdWcHIH0rbI/AAAAAAAACsQ/3inS-vBKKVU/s1000/_MG_9123blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Xa9OnYRtIw/UdWcHIH0rbI/AAAAAAAACsQ/3inS-vBKKVU/s640/_MG_9123blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3.2 sec f/13, ISO 400, Canon 5D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had tried the same thing back in 2005 when I was visiting Debra in Malibu, California. &nbsp;The fireworks were launched from barges in the ocean. &nbsp;This one captures the ocean, beach and an observer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3joUvn3EKA/UdWnIjABkTI/AAAAAAAACtk/-8vFyi4_WaI/s1000/CRW_2056blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3joUvn3EKA/UdWnIjABkTI/AAAAAAAACtk/-8vFyi4_WaI/s640/CRW_2056blog.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From professional&nbsp;<a href="http://kathyadamsclark.blogspot.com/2013/07/fireworks-things-to-keep-in-mind-while.html" target="blank">Kathy Adams Clark's</a>&nbsp;blog is another new way to photograph fireworks. &nbsp;Since I happen to love motion blurs, I am going to try this tonight. &nbsp;Have the focus sharp at the beginning of the burst and then change the focus during the exposure. &nbsp;Click <a _blank="" blank="" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66491622@N00/189439157/in/photostream/%20target=" target="_">here</a>&nbsp;to see some examples. &nbsp;The article with more information is at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.popphoto.com/how-to/2010/06/make-unique-fireworks-photos-using-focus-blur" target="_blank">PopPhoto.com, Make Unique Fireworks Photos Using Focus Blur. </a>&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">When the end is near, that great crescendo of fireworks is a challenge. It is very important to reduce your exposure significantly when it starts. &nbsp;In the excitement of the moment, I've never gotten it quite right. The finale happens so quickly so you don't have much time to make adjustments as you shoot.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfNYHpAoHeA/UdWr9TlBLoI/AAAAAAAACt0/ufx-Nnz6Ib0/s1000/_MG_9201bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfNYHpAoHeA/UdWr9TlBLoI/AAAAAAAACt0/ufx-Nnz6Ib0/s640/_MG_9201bl.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Don't forget to enjoy the fireworks themselves. &nbsp;Step away from the camera every now and then to appreciate the beautiful show.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I'm finishing this blog with photos from other years and other cameras. &nbsp;</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I wish for you a Happy Fourth of July! &nbsp;</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DCR4PzN52g/UdWcJIUr55I/AAAAAAAACsY/xPYMHIWOe_I/s1043/_MG_9058blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="611" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6DCR4PzN52g/UdWcJIUr55I/AAAAAAAACsY/xPYMHIWOe_I/s640/_MG_9058blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 sec, f/13, ISO 400, Canon 5D</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9Qf7AvCAY/UdWfvonqVRI/AAAAAAAACtI/I-uSgptbEuk/s1000/_MG_9618blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="553" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO9Qf7AvCAY/UdWfvonqVRI/AAAAAAAACtI/I-uSgptbEuk/s640/_MG_9618blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">4 sec, f/16, ISO 100, Canon 5D<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHGmHHHJXC8/UdWgq4RIyzI/AAAAAAAACtU/QJHNroBsd_Y/s1000/_MG_0487blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zHGmHHHJXC8/UdWgq4RIyzI/AAAAAAAACtU/QJHNroBsd_Y/s640/_MG_0487blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">2 sec, f/13ISO 200 Canon 5D MKII</div>Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-42603333854582512252013-03-16T21:42:00.001-05:002013-03-16T21:42:46.210-05:00Comet Pan-Starrs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Night before last we sat out on our front porch and found the comet Pan-Starrs with our binoculars. &nbsp;We've been comet watching before but this was by far the easiest to spot of any we've seen. &nbsp;By the time the sky is almost dark, it is still high enough to be visible. &nbsp;Each night it is farther from the moon, but it is at about the 5:00 position about 30 degrees above the horizon. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Tonight I wanted a cleaner view of the sky - so we went to Chandler Road just west of Toll 130. &nbsp;This happens to be one of my favorite places to photograph lightning. &nbsp;The city lights are far enough away that they are not too distracting. &nbsp;There is also a nice paved area that is out of the way of traffic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've cropped these photos - and used Adobe Camera Raw to brighten the exposure and darken the sky. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlNjqV_4D5A/UUUrtI-PmZI/AAAAAAAACrQ/etjeYZNZyQg/s1600/_D7A3963FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlNjqV_4D5A/UUUrtI-PmZI/AAAAAAAACrQ/etjeYZNZyQg/s640/_D7A3963FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>&nbsp;I photographed these with my Canon 5D MK III and my Sigma 300-800mm lens at 800mm.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZDuRRN1Ths/UUUrtVPhNpI/AAAAAAAACrY/cWOTha22IE4/s1600/_D7A3962FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nZDuRRN1Ths/UUUrtVPhNpI/AAAAAAAACrY/cWOTha22IE4/s640/_D7A3962FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Sometimes you know that &nbsp;you're not going to get award winning photos. For this one, I had to focus on one of the light towers in the distance and then set to manual focus to keep the focus. &nbsp;The wind was gusting which makes a bigger difference with a big lens even on a sturdy tripod. &nbsp;And . . . I couldn't see the comet through the view finder - which meant I was guessing each photo and then repositioning to try again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qpIN-78XOw/UUUrtSbKeJI/AAAAAAAACrc/VUr0e1xOsnw/s1600/_D7A3964FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qpIN-78XOw/UUUrtSbKeJI/AAAAAAAACrc/VUr0e1xOsnw/s640/_D7A3964FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The comet was eventually obscured by a small clump of trees. &nbsp;But even if these are not award winning photos - they are nice memory photos - and another small adventure for Henry and me.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-81255965587299256542013-02-02T23:41:00.000-06:002013-02-02T23:41:28.064-06:00Birding Hornsby Bend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hornsby Bend is a name associated with many things - a sewage treatment plant, a Biosolids Management Plant . . . and . . . an amazing place to see many species of birds! &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">in 1959, G. Frank "Pancho" Oatman noticed ducks flying across the Colorado River. &nbsp;Following them, he was the first birdwatcher to explore the sewage treatment facility. &nbsp;He found waterfowl in large numbers, several that had not been recorded in Travis County. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, many birders frequent both the roads around the ponds and the trail along the Colorado River. &nbsp;A birding visit to Hornsby Bend never disappoints. &nbsp;While the species of birds varies through the seasons - there is always a wide variety. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I spent time around the ponds today. &nbsp;Here are some of the Highlights:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were hundreds of northern shovelers, possibly 1000. Some resting on snags, others basking on the shore, while others use that amazing beak to forage. &nbsp;They were everywhere. &nbsp;Sometimes they form large groups that spin like a pinwheel stirring up the surface of the water to find food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">&nbsp;<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1H5IjcpP3o/UQ3ydhZl-tI/AAAAAAAACo4/hAQ9WllHXMM/s1600/IMG_1660blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1H5IjcpP3o/UQ3ydhZl-tI/AAAAAAAACo4/hAQ9WllHXMM/s640/IMG_1660blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were both male and female lesser scaup to enjoy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II3ye3hG0e4/UQ3yfJn9oEI/AAAAAAAACpI/n6ydZZaqHso/s1600/IMG_1704blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-II3ye3hG0e4/UQ3yfJn9oEI/AAAAAAAACpI/n6ydZZaqHso/s640/IMG_1704blog.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were several eared grebes. A couple of them gave me good photo opportunities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOhaNJZW5l4/UQ3ye77s0eI/AAAAAAAACpA/0gmUWb2Q5fE/s1600/IMG_1714blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOhaNJZW5l4/UQ3ye77s0eI/AAAAAAAACpA/0gmUWb2Q5fE/s640/IMG_1714blog.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There are always shorebirds. &nbsp;I am still working on learning to identify this large group of birds.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Least sandpipers are usually found in flocks of 10 or more. &nbsp;They are a small shorebird and they fly off and land together. &nbsp;Note the green legs. &nbsp;They also have a characteristic posture in how they insert their beak in the mud to find their food.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTHkvIX6MRs/UQ3ytmN78II/AAAAAAAACpY/0XbcxxS-mhQ/s1600/IMG_1635FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bTHkvIX6MRs/UQ3ytmN78II/AAAAAAAACpY/0XbcxxS-mhQ/s640/IMG_1635FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think this is a spotted sandpiper. I have yet to see one in all of its fine breeding plumage. &nbsp;Out of breeding season it is much plainer without the spots. It does have a characteristic behavior - bobbing as it forages. &nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vxJydeDgDs/UQ3yX7C-EjI/AAAAAAAACow/tVPYdJw2NXY/s1600/IMG_1664FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7vxJydeDgDs/UQ3yX7C-EjI/AAAAAAAACow/tVPYdJw2NXY/s640/IMG_1664FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Today I saw 14 species and this was just from around the ponds. &nbsp;One of these days I need to take the trails through the woods to the Colorado River. I've done it once - and there are even more bird species to see.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-71099702327439262782013-01-29T12:16:00.000-06:002013-01-29T12:16:12.732-06:00Changing Bird Songs - the Savannah Sparrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rTX5a34vaE/UQgQyN31iJI/AAAAAAAACoE/L8syJDBUyog/s1600/Granger6_0683sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3rTX5a34vaE/UQgQyN31iJI/AAAAAAAACoE/L8syJDBUyog/s640/Granger6_0683sm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Henry sent me an interesting link this morning. &nbsp;<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130129121937.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily</a>&nbsp;has an interesting article in how bird songs have changed over the last 30 years. &nbsp;I would have thought that bird songs would remain constant over time, but instead a study showed that savannah sparrows songs changed much like human dialects change over time. &nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;Interesting.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13971647.post-16117659029954987622012-11-12T08:36:00.000-06:002012-11-12T08:50:29.540-06:00The Carcass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dZLJxz0h32U?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br />In other trips to Yellowstone, I had heard people talking about watching wolves on a carcass, but we had never had that opportunity. &nbsp;On our September trip, many park visitors experienced the wonder of bears and wolves as they fed on the carcass. &nbsp;The first few days, only the grizzly bears fed. &nbsp;We heard at one point there were five grizzlies on the carcass. &nbsp;We passed by every day, usually stopping to spend time. &nbsp;On the last day we could finally see the skull to identify it as a bison carcass.<br /><br />The prime viewing spot was at my favorite overlook at Hayden Valley. &nbsp;Each day there were cars lining the valley - some at better vantage points than others. &nbsp;There was also an active wolf den at the north end of the valley. <br /><br />I had both my scope and my Sigma 300-800mm lens focused on the activity. &nbsp;The carcass was on the other side of the valley from the road - Henry used Google Earth to estimate the distance at 3/4 of a mile. &nbsp;It felt farther. &nbsp;The scope can get you visually closer, but I don't have a good digiscoping system set up yet. &nbsp;But when you crop in on photos with the 300-800mm, you at least have some good "memory" shots of the event.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy5h3piXcwI/UFgEFdn-suI/AAAAAAAACkQ/vwYDTkxEzRE/s1600/_D7A3175blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uy5h3piXcwI/UFgEFdn-suI/AAAAAAAACkQ/vwYDTkxEzRE/s640/_D7A3175blog.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />In our early years of visiting Yellowstone, we didn't have a good scope. I was always grateful when people would generously allow me to peak through their scope. &nbsp;While I don't have one of the expensive scopes, I now have a decent one. &nbsp;It is my pleasure to pay back those people from my past by allowing other people to look through my scope so they too can see this marvel of nature in much better detail than their eyes or binoculars allow.Mary Ann Meltonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13268106721956389627noreply@blogger.com0Yellowstone National Park, 200 Old Yellowstone Trail, Gardiner, Mt 59030, USA44.4225743 -110.586702643.6968733 -111.8501301 45.1482753 -109.32327509999999